The study will identify ways of delivering better transport connections between Birmingham International Station in Solihull, Birmingham’s planned HS2 station and landmarks such as the NEC, Genting Arena and new Genting Resorts World complex.

Future modes include the extension of the Midland Metro tram network, up to six bus-based rapid transit routes and an automatic people mover connecting the Birmingham Interchange HS2 station to Birmingham Airport. 

Mott MacDonald, in partnership with architects Grimshaw, will deliver outline scheme design, strategic advice, stakeholder engagement, risk management, architecture, engineering and cost estimating services.

Kevin Riley, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this landmark project that will improve critical transport links in the region and help capture inward investment as a result of HS2. This study will provide an exciting opportunity to bring together a host of our multidisciplinary skills from across a number of our offices.”

Mott MacDonald’s commission is due to be completed in the second quarter of 2017. It is planned that the transport hub will be open before the proposed HS2 Birmingham Interchange Station becomes operational in 2026.

A key strategic hub on the Trans-European Transport Network, the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council have been awarded a 50% funding contribution towards the €1.75m study from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility, with the balance of funding secured from private and public sector partners.